51 00 ... Service position of engine hood/bonnet

Special tool setup:

SPECIAL TOOL SETUP

Model series	Special tool
E46, E90, R50, R52, R53	51 2 160
E53, E85, E60, E61, E63, E64, E87	51 2 170
E65, E66:	51 2 180
E83	51 0 040

WARNING: A second person must hold the engine hood (risk of injury and damage).

NOTE: The illustrations below serve as examples for all corresponding vehicles. The operation is described on the left side; proceed in the same way for the right side.

Special tool can only be used on housing (1) of gas spring strut (thick part).

NOTE: Gas spring strut can also be installed the other way round (housing on hood).

Special tool can be used in both directions.

Fig 1: Identifying Housing Of Gas Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release gas spring strut on left/right housing side. Refer to 51 23 265 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT GAS STRUT FOR ENGINE BONNET/HOOD .

Slide special tool (1) over housing (2) of gas spring strut.

Clip ball socket of special tool on ball stud.

Proceed in same way on other side.

Fig 2: Sliding Special Tool Over Housing Of Gas Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.